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The jury in the Chad Daybell murder trial has begun deliberations after hearing closing arguments and receiving detailed instructions on the charges. Daybell faces accusations of conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft by deception in connection with the deaths of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow, and Tammy Daybell.

Prosecutors Lindsey Blake and Rob Wood presented a comprehensive rebuttal closing argument, emphasizing Daybell's pivotal role in a conspiracy that led to the tragic deaths. Blake highlighted text messages between Daybell and Lori Vallow, revealing their belief in "zombies" and "death percentages," concepts they allegedly used to justify the killings. 
"Chad says who’s dark, Chad says death percentages, and three bodies are located on his property. Three obstacles that were in their way," Blake stated, referencing a clip of Daybell in the back seat of a police car saying, "I’m not coming back."

The prosecution played several recordings, including a patriarchal blessing Daybell gave to Alex Cox, Lori Vallow's brother. Blake emphasized the message, "Alex had already helped him in ways they could never repay." The prosecution also showed a text message exchange where Chad referred to relatives as "obstacles." 

Defense attorney John Prior countered, arguing that Chad Daybell's actions and beliefs were taken out of context. Prior insisted that Daybell's religious beliefs did not equate to a criminal conspiracy.

"It can’t be an agreement that we have consistent religious beliefs," Prior said, stressing that there was no direct evidence linking Daybell to the physical act of murder.

Prior also focused on the lack of DNA evidence on the tools used to bury Tylee and JJ and questioned the credibility of key witnesses, including Melanie Gibb and Zulema Pastenes. He argued that the investigation was flawed and relied too heavily on speculative and circumstantial evidence. 

Judge Steven Boyce provided the jury with 41 instructions, including definitions of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and reasonable doubt. He reminded jurors that the state must prove every element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. "The state has to prove that Chad Daybell, with Lori Vallow, Alex Cox, or other co-conspirators, entered into some sort of an agreement to kill the children and to kill Tammy Daybell," Boyce instructed.

The jury was sequestered for deliberations, ensuring they remain isolated from outside influences. Five alternates were also randomly selected and sworn in, ready to step in if needed. "If there is reasonable doubt, and there is reasonable doubt, you must return a verdict of not guilty," Prior concluded in his closing argument.

As the jury deliberates, the community awaits the outcome of this high-profile case that has captivated national attention. The fate of Chad Daybell now rests in the hands of the jurors, who must sift through weeks of testimony and evidence to reach their verdict.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Samuel J. Cundari, a 30-year-old former assistant state’s attorney from DuPage County, Illinois, has been charged with transmitting threats of violence over social media, according to a May 24 press release from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of Illinois.

Cundari is accused of posting threats on X, formerly known as Twitter, in March and May. These threats included graphic and violent language directed at state representatives involved in gun-control legislation and an implied bomb threat in response to an advertisement for Springfield’s PrideFest.

One of Cundari's posts, dated March, tagged two Illinois state representatives, the Illinois attorney general, three gun-control groups, and a volunteer with one of the groups. The post read, “Our patience grows short with you. The day we put your kids feet first into a woodchipper so we can enjoy their last few screams is coming.”

Democratic Illinois State Rep. Bob Morgan, a sponsor of the assault weapons ban, confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that he was among the targeted lawmakers. The threats were serious enough to prompt a federal investigation.

In May, Cundari made another alarming post, which appeared to be a response to an advertisement for Springfield’s PrideFest. It read, “I sure hope NOBODY leaves a pressure cooker filled with ball bearings, glass and nails, filled with diesel fuel and fertilizer, with the over pressure safety valve disabled, near a natural gas line. That would be VERY sad and VERY unfortunate.”

According to an affidavit by an FBI agent, Cundari admitted to making these posts, claiming they were jokes intended to “get the goat” of another user. Despite his intent, the nature of the threats led to significant legal consequences.

A spokesperson for the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office told Law360 that Cundari was fired upon the discovery of the allegations. He had been working in the office’s misdemeanor division for 16 months.

“These types of threats are taken very seriously, and we will not tolerate this kind of behavior from anyone, especially those in positions of public trust,” said a spokesperson from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.

The case has garnered significant attention from local media, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Law360, highlighting the gravity of the charges and the broader implications for public safety and trust in public officials.

Cundari now faces a federal charge of transmitting a threat to injure another person in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face severe penalties under federal law.

#SamuelJCundari #DuPageCounty #GunControl #SocialMediaThreats #FederalCharges #BobMorgan #SpringfieldPrideFest
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Nearly two decades after Scott Peterson’s conviction for the murders of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, a California judge has ruled to permit limited DNA retesting in the high-profile case. On Wednesday, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Hill allowed the retesting of DNA on duct tape found on Laci Peterson’s pants but denied the testing of other new and prior evidence.

Peterson, who was convicted in 2004 and originally sentenced to death, has been fighting for a new trial with support from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which took up his case in January. The hearing on Wednesday marked a significant moment in Peterson’s ongoing bid to prove his innocence, although it fell short of granting all the requests made by his defense team.

Judge Hill's decision to allow retesting of the duct tape, approximately 15 inches long, is a partial victory for Peterson's defense. The duct tape “was found adhering to Laci’s pants on her right thigh,” and a section of it had previously undergone DNA testing, revealing the presence of human DNA, though no profile could be obtained. This new testing could potentially provide crucial information regarding the actual perpetrator.

However, the judge made it clear that her ruling was strictly about the evidence and not about granting Peterson a new trial. "This determination is solely about the evidence in question," Hill stated, underscoring the limited scope of her decision.

The defense team's broader requests included DNA testing on stains found on a mattress discovered in a burned-out van and examining evidence from a burglary that occurred near the Peterson home around the time Laci disappeared. The defense suggested that Laci might have encountered the burglars and was murdered because she witnessed the crime. These requests were denied, leaving the duct tape as the sole piece of evidence permitted for retesting.

“We were right then and we are right now,” stated Dave Harris from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office. “It is inappropriate for the defense to continue to try and find things to drag this case out. The state of California has a powerful interest in the finality of its judgments.”

Scott Peterson reported his pregnant wife missing from their Modesto, California, home in December 2002. Less than four months later, the bodies of Laci and Conner were found washed up in the San Francisco Bay. Prosecutors alleged that Peterson's motive was to escape married life and impending fatherhood.

After a nearly six-month trial in 2004, Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci's death and second-degree murder for Conner's death. The jury recommended the death penalty, which was initially upheld by Judge Alfred Delucchi. However, following Governor Newsom’s 2019 moratorium on executions, Peterson's death sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court in 2020. He was resentenced to life without parole in 2021 after the court found that a juror failed to disclose her involvement in other legal proceedings.
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The trial of Chad Daybell continued with significant developments as the prosecution presented its final rebuttal witnesses, bringing the high-profile case closer to conclusion. Key testimonies from medical experts and investigators provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tammy Daybell, JJ Vallow, and Tylee Ryan.

Judge Boyce opened the courtroom to the jury and addressed a pending issue about a proposed witness, Janice Olsen, who claimed to have heard Tammy Daybell discussing increasing her life insurance. After deliberation, Boyce decided to exclude Olsen’s testimony, citing concerns about its relevance and her potential bias after watching parts of the trial.

Dr. Erik Christensen, a retired medical examiner, resumed his testimony, reiterating that Tammy Daybell’s death was not accidental, natural, or a suicide. "There were bruises on her arms and chest, but her heart and other organs were normal," Christensen testified, dismissing the possibility of death due to toxicological issues, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmia. He concluded that Tammy's death was caused by asphyxia, labeling it a homicide.  
Defense attorney John Prior cross-examined Christensen, questioning why certain details, such as minor lung inflammation, were not highlighted in his report. Christensen responded that the inflammation was insignificant and did not contribute to the cause of death.  

Retired detective David Stubbs took the stand next, presenting evidence from Chad Daybell’s Google search history. Stubbs revealed that on January 3, 2019, someone using Chad Daybell's account searched for information on how to turn off location services on an iPhone. "A request was made on August 24, 2019, to delete all GPS history from the chad.daybell account," Stubbs testified, noting that such actions could be indicative of attempts to conceal illicit activities.

During cross-examination, Prior suggested that the searches could have been made by Tammy Daybell, who was more tech-savvy and used Apple devices. Stubbs acknowledged the possibility but reiterated that the searches were conducted through Chad’s account.

Lt. Ray Hermosillo from the Rexburg Police Department provided testimony about the investigation into the disappearance of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. He detailed how the children were eventually found buried on Chad Daybell’s property. Hermosillo also mentioned that he drove by the Daybell residence frequently, partly because his dry cleaning business was nearby and partly due to the ongoing investigation.

Hermosillo recounted seeing Emma Murray, Daybell's daughter, at a gym but noted he did not interact with her. His testimony reinforced the prosecution’s narrative of Chad Daybell’s involvement in the children’s deaths.

The prosecution wrapped up its rebuttal witnesses, and Judge Boyce announced the next phase: jury instructions. "Closing arguments will be conducted tomorrow," Boyce stated, signaling the trial’s imminent conclusion. The jury was excused for the day, and the courtroom was cleared for administrative actions and further discussions on jury instructions.

With the rebuttal witnesses concluded, the Chad Daybell trial is poised for its closing arguments. The testimonies of Dr. Christensen, Detective Stubbs, and Lt. Hermosillo have bolstered the prosecution's case, setting the stage for the jury's deliberations. As the trial progresses, the legal community and public alike are keenly observing the proceedings, awaiting the final verdict in this complex and highly publicized case.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Mur

Brian Higgins, an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), testified on Tuesday regarding the disposal of his cellphone during the investigation into John O’Keefe’s death. This testimony provided crucial insights into the defense’s case, which argues that Karen Read is not responsible for O’Keefe’s death.

Higgins admitted he disposed of his phone and possibly the SIM card in a dumpster at a military base without consulting anyone or receiving a written cancellation of the preservation order for his phone. "I didn’t know whether I removed the SIM card when I got rid of my phone, but if I did do so, I either cut the SIM card or broke it," Higgins stated. 
Defense attorney David Yannetti questioned Higgins about the disposal process. "Then you drove to a military base and you threw both the destroyed SIM card and the phone into a dumpster, didn’t you?" Yannetti asked. Higgins confirmed he was driving through a military base on Cape Cod and believed he put the destroyed SIM card and phone into a dumpster there. 
Higgins further testified that he didn’t transfer anything from his old phone to his new one, including photos, videos, and possible text messages with members of the Albert family, who owned 34 Fairview Road at the time. 

On redirect, Higgins told Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally that he didn’t have much saved on his personal phone. “In the sense that I’m divorced, I don’t have kids, I didn’t have the typical memories that somebody would’ve had on their phone that they wanted to preserve,” Higgins explained.  
 
Higgins revealed that a call from the target of an investigation in July 2022 made him reconsider keeping his old phone number. “I had a lot of concerns, so July of ’22 is when I probably started thinking about, ‘You know what, I’ve got to get rid of the telephone number itself,’” he said. Higgins confirmed he changed his personal phone number on Sept. 29, 2022 — one day before receiving a court order to preserve the phone, which Karen Read’s lawyers were seeking as evidence. He testified he got rid of his old phone "about two months after that," because it was "beaten" and he had already obtained a new one.

O’Keefe’s niece provided testimony, revealing that Read was frantic and screaming when she awoke around 4:30 a.m. on January 29, 2022. Prosecutors indicated Read directed the niece to call Jennifer McCabe, a friend, during which Read changed her story multiple times about what happened to O’Keefe. McCabe testified that Read was screaming during the call, saying, “John didn’t come home, they got into a fight, and that she left him at the Waterfall,” a bar where they’d been drinking the previous night.

Testimony from Minors
The testimonies of O’Keefe’s niece and nephew were not live streamed or recorded due to their minor status. In 2022, the children, then aged 14 and 10, told investigators that Read and O’Keefe argued frequently toward the end of their two-year relationship. O’Keefe’s niece recalled her uncle telling Read “that their relationship had run its course and that it isn’t healthy,” according to prosecutors.

Defense’s Position
Read’s defense team has suggested a conspiracy among witnesses and law enforcement, arguing that others, including Higgins, are responsible for O’Keefe’s death. Despite Higgins’s testimony, Read's lawyers remain focused on proving their theory that someone else is responsible for the crime.

Higgins’s testimony adds a complex layer to the ongoing trial, highlighting the defense’s strategy of implicating other individuals in O’Keefe’s death. As the trial continues, further witness testimonies and cross-examinations are expected to shed more light on the case.
KAREN READ TRIAL IS NOW OFF UNTIL TUESDAY JUNE 4TH 2024

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